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Deerpark Court Tomb

Northwest Ireland | County Sligo

Deerpark Court Tomb, known as Magheraghanrush, is located in small forest park, just off the road no R278, about 1 km east of village of Carly in County Sligo (8 km east from Sligo Town). This fine example of central court tomb was built around 3000 BC. There is hypothesis that it was once a simpler construction with open, U - shaped forecourt. The eastern part was probably added later, what could have been the result of merger of two social groups. The plan of the tomb gives appearance of two single court tombs built face to face. The large oval court (15 m long) is situated in center with entrance from the south. Western part of the monument has one gallery with double chamber, while the eastern part has two parallel galleries (each with two chambers). Deerpark has never been subjected to scientific excavations, only several antiquarians excavated the tomb. Both, animal and human bones were discovered on the site. The human bones representing possibly as many as ten people, four adults, four children and two unspecified individuals. The only other find was a single flint flake.